Hello!

Hope everyone’s year is off to a great start. I recently attended an Orange County Chapter of the California Land Surveyors Association (CLSA) Presidents’ meeting and thought I’d share some highlights. Special thanks to Connie Barrett, 2024-25 Chapter President, for her insights. This chapter has an illustrious past President line up that has served our profession regionally and nationally.

Los Angeles Fire Status

There is one corridor street that runs through Pacific Palisades and thousands of homes burned down on either side. Best guess for the first step, AFTER insurance issues are resolved? Who knows but here are some tidbits:

  • Aerial surveys to determine what will require removal first, where to put the waste, and where hazmat suits/masks will be required.
  • 8,000 homes and 2500+ parcels in need of surveying and construction, not to mention rebuilding infrastructure, with a single access point will require an extraordinary level of coordination and cooperation to avoid looking like the freeway during rush hour – all the time.
  • Realtor friends and associates tell us that some residents are choosing to relocate out of the area entirely because they estimate home values will be depressed for years to come.
  • Los Angeles contacts (personal ones) tell us there is already strong demand to relocate to other high end areas such as Brentwood and Beverly Hills or to Southern Orange County.

It’s a tragedy and we can only hope for a decent outcome for those affected and, of course, great land planning as things begin to resolve.

Hot buttons for Surveyors these days

You guessed it – staffing. The average licensed surveyor is 57 years old. California may have fewer than 2000 active, working private sector licensed surveyors. One notable survey company owner commented that we need to promote the industry and support LSIT’s (Land Surveyor in Training) even if they move on to other firms. To that we say, bravo!

Professionals in land surveying are dedicated and passionate. I was thrilled by this, as I am when talking with many of you individually. The level of commitment and enjoyment of folks in the industry is amazing!

I continue to be impressed by the sheer number of generational surveying firms going as far back as great-grandfathers. Last night two past presidents are father-son owners of a 50-year old company in Anaheim. Across the dinner table from me, an aerial surveyor mentioned his son is starting at his firm at 21-years old!

Planning for future surveyors starts early. At Qfactor we support Get Kids Into Survey. Show your support by clicking here.

Another topic – Standardized surveying service definitions for the industry

Often quoting a job is a challenge to explain especially if it’s more than a four point land survey. Does anyone have standardized surveying services descriptions? If so, let me know. These codes could be built into your Qfactor proposal feature with a very slight software modification.

Take-away of the evening

The surveying industry is very tight and interconnected. Not just generational at the familial level, but also mentors and mentees and who worked for who over the span of decades. One could feel the camaraderie in the room and beyond.

Well, that’s the latest.

Frederick Dyste
Creator of Qfactor for Surveyors

Make a donation in their names to Get Kids into Survey – support the next generation of surveyors. Click here.

Learn more about Southern California Chapters and the California Land Surveyors Association (CLSA):

Learn how Qfactor can help your company save time, save money and increase profits.